Neuromuscular Fitness Is Associated with Serve Speed in Young Female Tennis Players.

In tennis, the serve plays a key role in determining the success of a player. The speed of a serve is influenced by a multitude of interconnected skills and abilities. The objective of this study was to establish the correlation between the explosive strength of the throwing type, the grip strength and flexibility of the arms, and the shoulder girdle with the serve speed in young female tennis players. Additionally, the study aimed to develop a regression model that accurately predicts the serve speed by analyzing the interplay among these variables. The study was carried out on a group of 20 tennis players, who had an average age of 13.10 ± 0.74 years. Additionally, their height was recorded as 165.70 ± 4.90 cm, and their body mass was measured at 51.45 ± 5.84 kg. To assess the motor abilities of the upper extremities, four tests were used that aimed to measure the explosive strength of the throwing type; one test was for the strength of the hand and forearm muscles, and one test was for the flexibility of the arms and shoulder girdle. Of all the variables examined, the medicine ball throw shot put (MBTSP) (r = 0.75), overhead medicine ball throw (OMBT) (r = 0.70), and grip strength (GS) (r = 0.71) displayed a notable correlation with serve speed (p < 0.05). The results obtained from the multiple regression analysis indicate that the combination of selected predictors (MBTSP-medicine ball throw shot put, OMBT-overhead medicine ball throw and GS-grip strength) explained 75% of the variability in serve speed. Significantly, MBTSP surfaced as the predominant predictor, autonomously elucidating 51% of the variability in serve speed. The importance of improving the analyzed motor skills of young female tennis players to enhance their serve in terms of speed is emphasized by the findings of this research.

The Effects of a Short Virtual Reality Training Program on Dynamic Balance in Tennis Players.

This study aimed to analyze the effects of a 5 min virtual reality training program (VR) on dynamic balance in tennis players. Fifty-eight college tennis players (mean age 22.9 ± 3.1 years, weight 73.9 ± 10.8 kg, height 176.6 ± 8.4 cm) were allocated to either the control group (placebo) (CG, n = 20) or the right-handed experimental group (RTG, n = 20) and left-handed experimental group (LTG, n = 18), both of which took part in the 5 min VR intervention program. Pre-tests included anthropometric measures and the Y Balance Test (YBT), and the post-test was the Y Balance Test (YBT). Three YBT trials were performed in anterior (ANT), posterolateral (PL), and posteromedial (PM) directions. After the training intervention, in the right-handed experimental group (RTG), significant differences were observed for two variables: anterior reach (right foot) (p = 0.00) and posterior medial reach (right foot) (p = 0.03). In other analyzed variables, there were no significant differences. Additionally, the effect size was small. In the left-handed experimental group (LTG), statistically significant improvements were identified in five out of six analyzed variables: anterior reach (left foot) (p = 0.00), posterior medial reach (left foot) (p = 0.00), posterior lateral reach (left foot) (p = 0.00), posterior medial reach (right foot) (p = 0.00), and posterior lateral reach (right foot) (p = 0.00). The effect size ranged between small and medium. No significant changes were observed in the control group (CG) after the training intervention. Moreover, for all variables, the time*group interaction is determined. Anterior reach (left foot), posterior medial reach (left foot), posterior medial reach (right foot), and posterior lateral reach (right foot) showed significant interactions (F = 3.04, p = 0.05; F = 3.50, p = 0.03; F = 6.08, p = 0.00; and F = 4.69, p = 0.01). The outcome of this study leads us to a further understanding that if a player were to partake in VR activity, it could show a positive effect on their dynamic balance performance.

Measuring and assessing motor skills of selected Croatian U12, U14 and U16 tennis players.

Purpose: The aim of this research is to analyse and to determine the differences between tennis players in younger age categories (U12, U and U16) in certain motor skills. Methods: A total of 60 tennis players ranked in the rankings of the Croatian Tennis Federation were measured by using 10 tests for assessing explosive strength in jump, speed, agility, and trunk strength. The tennis players were divided into three groups of 20 respondents, depending on the age category in which they compete. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between all age categories were found in indicators of frontal and lateral agility, running speed in the 20-m shuttle run test, and explosive strength in jump and repetitive trunk strength. Results: The results of the conducted tests indicate a linear development trend for the mentioned skills in relation with the increase of chronological age of the tennis players. Statistically significantly better results were shown between test subjects under 14 years compared to test subjects under 12 years in tests for the assessment of agility (SST,A9-3-6-3-9), in the 20 m sprint test, in tests of explosive strength of lower extremities (CMJ, CMJmax,SJ) and in the test of repetitive trunk strength (TF). Subjects under 16 years achieved significantly better results compared to subjects under 14 years in tests for assessing agility (SST, A9-3-6-3-9), speed (SRT5m, SRT10m, SRT20m) and explosiveness (CMJ, CMJmax, SJ). Players under 16 years recorded significantly better results in all tests for assessing agility (SST,A9-3-6-3-9), speed (SRT5m, SRT10m, SRT20m), explosiveness of the lower extremities (CMJ, CMJmax, SJ) and in the test for assessing repetitive trunk strength (TF). Statistically significant differences were not detected in tests of running speed in the 5-m and 10-m shuttle run tests among U12 and U14 tennis players, nor between U14 and U16 tennis players in the 60-s trunk flexion test. The highest heterogeneity of results in a single age category was determined in the test for assessing isometric trunk strength, and thus tennis players of different age categories do not differ significantly in this skill. Conclusion: The results of this research point to the development of specific motor skills in accordance with the increase of game demands and chronological age, however, also refer to the problem of muscle imbalance between front and back trunk musculature. Physical conditioning of young tennis players should be multilaterally directed in order to enable injury prevention and adjustment of tennis players to competitive demands.

What makes a Grand Slam champion? Early engagement, late specialization and timely transition from having fun to dedication.

In order to provide adequate support for young tennis players, it is important to understand the development path and factors which can have a positive or negative impact on the development of a player. The aim of this research was to determine the factors that affected sports specialization in tennis by means of qualitative analysis (early, optimal, or late). As well as to deepen the knowledge around the phenomenon of specialization in tennis among players of differing success levels through their personal experiences, in order to contribute to a better understanding of their specialization. The authors interviewed 30 tennis players of differing levels, including 10 participants from the most elite level (Grand Slam champions), exploring their contrasting experiences of development. The data set was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three topics were generated, which included the following: engaging in sport, decisions, and time of specialization. The obtained results offer a stimulus to reflect on numerous aspects of athlete development.

Exercise-Induced Fatigue Impairs Change of Direction Performance and Serve Precision among Young Male Tennis Players.

This study investigates the effect of exercise-induced fatigue on change of direction performance and serve precision among young tennis players. A group of 21 players (age 12.90 ± 0.76 years), ranked among the top 50 players on the national tennis federation scale and the top 300 on the "Tennis Europe" scale, participated in the study. They underwent a standardized physiological load protocol using the "300-m running test" which consists of consecutive runs for 15 shares of 20 m (15 × 20). Its intensity was determined using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale where subjects evaluated their level of experienced load on a scale from 0 to 10. Prior to and after the protocol, they performed a pre-planned change of direction T-test and serve precision test. Results showed significant increase of time in the T-test (from 11.75 ± 0.45 s to 12.99 ± 0.4 s, p = 0.00) and decrease in serve precision parameter from (6.00 ± 1.04 to 4.00 ± 1.26, p = 0.00) after the fatigue test protocol. The RPE increased from 5 to 9, after the fatigue protocol, indicating the desired fatigue effect. These findings indicate that exercise-induced fatigue impairs change of direction performance and serve precision among young tennis players.

Effects of Plyometric Training with Resistance Bands on Neuromuscular Characteristics in Junior Tennis Players.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of 6 weeks (conducted twice per week for a total of 12 sessions) of plyometric training with resistance bands on different neuromuscular characteristics among the sample of junior tennis players. Thirty junior tennis players between the ages of 12 and 14 years (age 13.5 ± 1.8 years; weight 51.3 ± 12.5 kg; height 162.7 ± 12.6 cm) were allocated to either the control group (standard in-season regimen) (CG; n = 15) or the experimental group, which received additional plyometric training with resistance bands (TG; n = 15). Pre- and post-tests included: anthropometric measures; 20 m sprint time (with 5, 10, and 20 m splits), squat jump (SQ Jump); vertical countermovement jump (CMJ); vertical countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJ_free arms); single leg (left) countermovement jump (CMJ_L); single leg (right) countermovement jump (CMJ_R); standing long jump (L_Jump); single leg (left) triple jump (SLTH-L); single leg (right) triple jump (SLTH-R); generic change of direction speed (CODS) (20Y test and T-test); reactive agility test (WS-S). After the training intervention, the TG showed significant ("p < 0.05") improvements in CMJ (F = 7.90, p = 0.01), CMJ_L (F = 5.30, p = 0.03), CMJ_R (F = 11.45, p = 0.00), and SLTH-L (F = 4.49, p = 0.04) tests. No significant changes were observed in the CG after the training intervention. Our findings provide useful information for coaches to create a wide range of tennis-specific situations to develop a proper performance, especially for their player's neuromuscular fitness.

Neuromuscular Fitness Is Associated with Success in Sport for Elite Female, but Not Male Tennis Players.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to examine whether neuromuscular fitness contributes significantly to the success of eAlite junior tennis players of differing ages and sexes. METHODS: The 160 participants, who were elite Hungarian junior tennis players (aged 11-17), were separated into four groups within this study, and 10 different types of field tests were used. RESULTS: A moderate significant correlation was found between the results of the 5 m run (r = -0.42; r = -0.45), standing long jump (r = 0.39; r = 0.56), overhand ball throw (r = 0.44; r = 0.53), serve (r = 0.39; r = 0.64), amount of push-ups in 30 seconds (r = 0.32; r = 0.48), 10 × 5 m run in a shuttle run (r = -0.34; r = -0.45), the spider run (r = -0.34; r = -0.52), and competitive tennis success among U14 and U18 girls. A significant correlation between the overhead medicine ball throw test value (r = 0.47) and the current competitive performance was found only among U18 elite female tennis players. In contrast, no correlation was found between the values of the U14 and U18 male tennis players and their current competitive performance. CONCLUSIONS: Additional studies are needed to identify interventions that can increase sport-specific neuromuscular fitness with the ultimate goal of achieving better performance.